Departure

OK, so you won’t actually be able to read this until I am in Orlando but anyway…

This morning I got up at 5.45 and headed out with my dad to Gatwick. The journey to the airport was relatively trouble-free and I was there by 7.45. Check-in and security were their usual selves – long and tedious. While I was queueing to check- in I got a text from Rachel to say she was already in the departure lounge, after I was through I managed to find her and very shortly afterwards Alice appeared over the horizon and we got chatting. Luke joined us a little later and then we were off…

A few spare seats on the plane let us spread out which was a pleasant surprise. The other surprise was that our plane had on demand movies with a huge selection! So far I have watched ‘Race to Witch Mountain’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ and we still have 6 hours to go…

This is it! 10 months since I returned from last year’s ICP and put in my application to go back. In a little under 14 hours I will be on a plane back to the happiest place on earth. I can’t believe it has been over a year since the start of my last program – so much has happened. I can’t wait to get back.

Today was spent sorting out the last few bits. I suddenly realised that my shirt for Traditions had a stain on the collar – cue a mad dash to Marks and Spencer to get a new one. At least this one won’t arrive creased since it is still in the packet! I had to repack my bag today as I discovered that due to a few last minute additions I actually could not close it. I was originally going to take anempty bag inside my case to bring back any stuff I buy however it won’t fit so I guess I will just have to buy a bag out there if I need one. I managed last year so I guess I will manage again.

I am leaving the house at 6.30am tomorrow to make the journey to Gatwick. I am looking forward to the flight much more this time around. Last time I did not know anybody on the flight but this time I know of at least 3 other people on the flight (Alice, Rachel and Luke) and through a little planning we have all managed to sit together on the plane which should make the 9 hour flight a lot more fun. The plan is that we are all going to meet up in the departure lounge and then head off from there. I will be wearing my Disney College Program hoody from last year so hopefully even if I don’t recognise them they should be able to recognise me!

I have not been able to find out for definite where I am going to be working so I will be in the same boat as everybody else, finding out my location on day 2. I am kind of happy, it keeps the excitement which might otherwise have been lost. I did send a quick email last week asking to be in either Chatham or Patterson although I did get the reply ‘Nothing is guaranteed’ so we will see what happens…

The next blog will probably be from the ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ and the place ‘where dreams come true’. I can’t wait to get started again and hopefully this year will be even better than last!